In a unique experiment in democratic transparency, Barack Obama – a BlackBerry owner, and the first American president to use email while in office – has agreed to copy G2 in on his otherwise highly confidential electronic communications. Each week, we present a selection from recent days

Believe me, though, just denying that you said being first lady was "hell" won't be good enough. Remember — the people who'll run with this think I'm a Kenyan-born communo-muslimist who forged his birth certificate. No, we'll have to release some video footage of the PRECISE MOMENT at which you didn't say it. Also, you should do some kind of public appearance where you don't say it again — repeatedly, if possible. Yes,
I understand that this is philosophically incoherent. So do you. But
they just elected a Senate candidate in Delaware who thinks Joe Biden taps her phone, and that Arwen the Elf Princess is a role model for American women. We mustn't forget who we're dealing with. BHO

To: Tina Fey <tf@tinafey.com> Subject: Your secret's safe with me

Oh, my God, I just worked it out! You've been rumbled! Such an audacious idea for a mockumentary — actually running in a primary as a record-breakingly eccentric candidate who's obsessed with masturbation and JRR Tolkien! Perfect characterisation as ever. You sure had me worried! Not sure what the Federal Election Commission will have to say about the deception part, but credit where credit's due. You've totally got me wondering whether "Joe Biden" might just be an elaborate multi-year exercise in comedy method acting by Tom Wilkinson. Anyway, can't wait for the new season of 30 Rock, Barack

Thanks for this, though I've got to say I find your fixation on our comparative crowd sizes a bit tiresome. It's not a competition! I realise you got a bit jumpy after my inauguration ceremony, and started making anonymous edits to the Wikipedia page on the largest gatherings of people in modern history, but I'm just not interested in the rivalry, I'm afraid. Warmly, Barack PS. See attached BBC story saying your crowds were far lower than expected. PPS. The Hajj pilgrimage always comes out number one in those crowd-size lists anyway.